Macau vs Vegas: Which is the best casino capital?

Whether you’re familiar with casino gaming or not, the industry has developed at the speed of light over centuries. 

In fact, even since the first online casino opened in 1996, technology has revolutionised the industry in ways that seemed unimaginable beforehand. Now, you can play all your favourite games like Blackjack, Roulette, Poker and even Slots online, from anywhere you have internet access. 

And whilst online Slots casino sites utilise their many perks and technological advancements to provide an authentic casino experience, there’s nothing quite like paying a visit to one of the world’s casino capitals for yourself. 

Arguably, two of the world’s most iconic casino locations are Las Vegas and Macau. But which city best captivates the glitz and glamour of casino gaming? 

Read on to find out! 

Macau, China

Known as the City of Lights, Macau is the only place in Greater China (China, Hong Kong, Macau) where gambling is legal. This makes the city a hotspot for anyone wanting to try their chances at some of the iconic casino games. 

Up until 2001, only one casino company was licensed in Macau, but as of 2002, licenses were granted to some other large gaming companies from all over the world, such as MGM and Galaxy and Wynn Resorts. 

This has, in turn, made Macau a tourist hotspot, creating jobs and generating a higher revenue from the games, hotels and entertainment than Las Vegas in recent years. 

Not only has Macau expanded financially, but the size of the city originally measured 11.6 square kilometres. It was made up of the mainland peninsular and two small islands. As the success of the gaming industry boomed, the space on which the gaming venues stood was expanded to 29.7 square kilometres, which includes six square kilometres of new land connecting the two small islands together. This is where you’ll find some of the bigger, luxury casino complexes. 

Las Vegas

Las Vegas, also known as Sin City, is perhaps the most famous casino location in the world. Ever since the settlement was first founded in 1905, after the opening of a railroad that linked Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, there have been signs of casino gaming in Nevada. 

This eventually led to the opening of the first casino hotel in 1941, which inspired the beginning of what we now know as the Strip. As the entertainment industry grew, Las Vegas became the stage for some revolutionary superstars featuring in Hollywood movies and encapsulating the glamour of a lifestyle that previously felt so out of reach. 

On the famed Strip alone, there are 60 major casinos, each hosting a variety of classic games, shopping centres, spas, restaurants and shows. It was also in Las Vegas that the first video slot machine debuted; so it’s clear this casino capital played an integral part in the evolution of the entire gaming world. 

Which is best?

Having expanded the space on which it stands, and recorded more profit than Las Vegas since 2010, Macau currently holds the title of being the world’s casino capital. However, which iconic location is best ultimately depends on your personal preferences. 

Las Vegas is rich with casino history, celebrating Hollywood glamour and the evolution of the industry since before the first casino hotel even opened. But Macau seems to be plummeting towards the future of gaming a little more quickly, drawing in more visitors each year.

Despite this, both casino capitals see millions of players come and go, so really, it depends on where you want to play, the hotel you’d prefer to stay in, and what you hope to see and do during your visit.